Sunderland defender John O'Shea was relieved to earn a point against ten-man Newcastle United yesterday.

Sunderland grabbed a point when O'Shea's flick on from Sebastian Larsson's free-kick struck Demba Ba flush in the face and flew past a startled Tim Krul.

"It was a great game to be involved in, both sets of players wanted to win so much, it was vital not to lose the game," said O'Shea.

"Newcastle have a good shape about them, work hard on their shape with two banks of four and the big men up front, so it was difficult, but we managed to get the goal."